Millions of motorists are expected to take to Britain’s roads over the Christmas period, with motoring organisations estimating that more than 20 million car journeys will be made in the days leading up to Christmas Day alone.

But new research suggests many of those drivers could be unknowingly risking fines of more than £300 – and even invalidating their insurance – because of how they pack their cars.

Can’t see a problem

New research from Dick Lovett has revealed that a significant number of motorists would drive with dangerously reduced visibility or overloaded vehicles during the festive rush.

With students travelling home carrying months’ worth of belongings and families loading cars with presents, food and luggage, experts are warning that Christmas packing habits could have serious legal and safety consequences.

The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK drivers aged 18 and over, conducted in November 2025.

It found that 62% of drivers do not know their car’s legal weight limit, and 55% admit they would drive with their rear visibility blocked because of how their vehicle is loaded.

Worryingly, 22% said they would do so on long journeys, despite Christmas being one of the busiest and most hazardous times on UK roads.

Weighing in

What many motorists fail to realise, experts say, is just how easy it is to overload a vehicle.

A typical BMW 3 Series Touring, for example, has a payload of around 595kg.

Four adults weighing between 75kg and 85kg each can account for more than 300kg before any luggage is added.

Once suitcases, Christmas presents, food and other festive extras are factored in, it becomes easy to exceed the car’s legal limit without noticing.

In smaller cars, such as a MINI hatchback, payload limits are even lower, meaning just a couple of passengers and a full boot could be enough to overload the vehicle.

Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, responsibility for ensuring a vehicle is not overloaded rests entirely with the driver.

Police or DVSA officers have the power to stop vehicles and send them to a weighbridge. If a car exceeds its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), drivers can face on-the-spot fines of between £100 and £300, be prevented from continuing their journey, or, in more serious cases, be summoned to court.

Pushing the limit

Alex Lee, driving expert at Dick Lovett, said even minor overloads can have significant consequences. “People underestimate how easy it is to overload a car at Christmas,” he said.

“A few heavy suitcases, presents, and passengers can push a vehicle past its legal limit without you realising. Overloaded cars don’t steer or brake properly, and when roads are wet, icy or busy, this becomes a serious hazard.”

Lee also warned of the insurance implications: “It’s not just about fines,” he said. “If your car is overweight or your visibility is compromised and you’re involved in an accident, your insurer could reduce or even refuse your claim.”

Safe and secure

With Christmas traffic expected to peak on key travel days as families criss-cross the country, Dick Lovett is urging motorists to take a few minutes to check their vehicle’s weight limits, pack carefully, distribute loads evenly and keep rear windows clear.

Experts say that simple steps, such as securing loose items, adjusting tyre pressures for heavier loads, and carefully considering roof boxes, could help drivers avoid fines, protect their insurance, and, most importantly, reduce the risk of accidents during one of the busiest periods on the UK road calendar.